Non-profit Organization ST. MARY’S PARISH u.s. postage 8 CHURCH ST. paid HOLLISTON, MA 01746 Holliston, MA 01746 Permit no. 2

NEWSLETTER SUMMER , 2018

August 15,

Holy Day of

Obligation

“Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary into

Heaven.”

THE SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION OF MARY A HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION ~ Schedule at left.

This great feast commemorates the passing of Mary, body and soul, into the presence of God in heaven upon the completion of her earthly life. Death is the fruit of sin, and since Mary was sinless death had no hold over her. By her Assumption into heaven, Mary Tuesday, allows us a glimpse of the blessed fate awaiting all those redeemed by her Son, Jesus. Where she has gone, we hope one day to follow. August 14 ~ Assumption Vigil Do you ever wonder if death comes from God? The doctrine of the Assumption answers a resounding no! Having been preserved from Mass at 6:30 PM original sin at her Immaculate Conception, Mary was created exactly like our First Parents before the Fall. Then, during her life, Mary never experienced personal sin. Instead, she always embraced Wednesday, God’s commandments, plan and will – even when they led to the foot of the Cross. She remained as God made her, untouched by sin August 15 ~ or death.

Assumption Feast Therefore, in the Assumption of Mary, we see what God had always Day Masses at intended for His children. Not sickness, suffering or death. But a gentle passage; a falling asleep; then a wondrous awakening, body 9 AM and 7 PM and soul, into the very presence of God.

St. Mary’s Parish Newsletter Summer, 2018 ~ Volume 43, Number 11

Congratulations St. Mary’s Parish 8 Church Street Mr. & Mrs. Kean!

Holliston, MA 01746 One of the couples married at St. Mary’s this summer was Rectory: 429-4427, 879-2322 Molly Fitzpatrick and Michael Kean (photo below). No less Religious Education Center: 429-6076 than three priests concelebrated the Nuptial Mass – Fr. Ron Fax: 429-3324 ~ Music: 429-4427 Burgo, Fr. Adolph Menendez and Fr. Rocco Puopolo. The Religious Education Email: [email protected] main celebrant was Fr. Mark Coiro, who knew Michael from Parish Email Address: [email protected] his time in the High School Youth Group in Medway, and Website: www.stmarysholliston.com Molly from her time as a St. Mary’s Altar Server. May God

Mission ~ “To Know Christ and to make Him Known.” bless Molly and Michael with a holy, happy life that helps them and others to grow as children of God. Congratulations!

Parish Clergy Today many people believe that it is impossible to love another

Rev. Mark J. Coiro, Pastor person ‘forever.’ This fear of ‘forever’ is cured by entrusting The Xaverian Fathers, Weekend Assistance oneself day by day to the Lord Jesus in a life that becomes a Rev. James Flynn, Weekend Assistance daily spiritual path of common growth, step by step. Because Deacon John Barry, Permanent Deacon ‘forever’ is not simply a question of duration! A marriage does not succeed just because it lasts; its quality is also important. Deacon Martin Breinlinger, Senior Deacon - Pope Francis

IN FAITHFUL SERVICE

On Sunday, June 17, eight graduating Senior Altar Servers were honored at St. Mary’s 11:30 AM Mass. All but one had been in this ministry starting in the 4th Grade! Each received a Lives of the Saints Book and Scholarship Check in appreciation of their years of faithful service at the Altar of God. May God bless them as they go forth to college, and may He bring to completion the good work He has begun in them! From left to right:

Sarah Devoe ~ Villanova University Matthew O'Connell ~ Reed College Michael Brodo ~ Georgetown University Will Hein ~ McGill University Andrew Abucewicz ~ Old Dominion University Caroline Ward ~ University of Massachusetts, Amherst Patrick Jewett ~ Assumption College Michela Michielli ~ Union College From the Pastor’s Desk

Dear Members of the St. Mary’s Parish Family,

This summer I am delighted to announce the birth of my new goddaughter, Emma Marie Herrick (photo below right). Little Emma was born on Sunday, June 24, the Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. She will be Baptized at St. Mary’s Church in Mansfield on Sunday, September 23, when I will take on the role of being her godfather. This role is two-fold. First, as a fully initiated Catholic, I will sponsor Emma to join the Catholic Church. Secondly, I will promise that by word and example, I will help Emma’s parents raise her in the practice of the Catholic faith. My role will be to do all I can to help little Emma have a loving relationship with Jesus, as part of His family the Church. I have already been praying for her each night and look forward to walking with her in faith in the days ahead. I recently came across a beautiful prayer for a goddaughter by Stefanie Riche, which I share below for all you other godparents out there.

God bless you!

Rev. Mark J. Coiro Pastor

Welcome to St. Mary’s!

With tremendous joy we welcome these fourteen infants, newly baptized into Christ and His Holy Church.

Baptisms:

Javier Fernando Langevin Michael David Licciardo

Nathan Jarred Croteau Bennett Nicholas Duncan

Charlotte Diane Hushek Bridget Patricia Kane

Lucas Stephen Mauro Michael John Conley

Tyler Raffo Lydia Jean Robshaw

Emilia Elizabeth Napoli Elyse Katherine Jakobsen

Paige Lillian Dalbec Oliver Grayson Spencer

PRAYER FOR A GODCHILD:

May you know the joy of loving and being loved. And when your heart gets broken, may those cracked places only deepen your capacity for love. May the soundtrack of your life be laced with laughter. And may you know, too, that it’s okay to cry. May your feet be swift for running and may they know when it’s time to rest. May you know you are fearfully and beautifully made, in God’s very own image. May you discover the secret that the best gifts are the ones you give away. May you always chase after God, even as you know he is really the one chasing after you. May you have friends who speak the truth to you and friends who help you up when you fall down. May you know when to stay strong and when to surrender. May you have eyes to see the mystery and wonder of this world God has made. May you sync your heart to God’s heartbeat for the lost, the hurting, the underdog. May you always hear God’s voice whispering the way you should go. May you find, when the storm rages around you, that God is your shelter. May you know that there is nothing you can do to stop God from loving you, nothing so bad you can wear out his grace, and nowhere you can go beyond his reach. And from this day forward, until you stand by his side, may the Lord bless you and keep you. May he smile on you and be gracious to you. May he show you his favor and give you his peace. Amen.

THIS SUMMER ST. MARY’S OFFICIALLY WELCOMED KEVIN LYCZAK, OUR NEW MUSIC DIRECTOR, AND JAKE THIRINGER, OUR NEW YOUTH MINISTER. BOTH HAVE MOVED TO MASSACHUSETTS TO MINISTER TO GOD’S FLOCK HERE AT ST. MARY’S. WE ARE DELIGHTED TO WELCOME THEM TO OUR PARISH FAMILY. PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF WHEN YOU SEE THEM AT MASS!

Kevin Lyczak, Director of Music: A native of Bucks County, PA, Kevin Lyczak received his B.M. in Organ Performance from the Duquesne University Mary Pappert School of Music in May of 2016. There he also received the André Marchal Award for Excellence in Performance. Kevin received his M.M. in Organ Performance from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in May of 2018. While a student, he studied improvisation with Dr. Ann Labounsky (2015-2016), Robert Nicholls (2017) and Vincent Carr (2017). Prior to joining St. Mary’s as Music Director in July of 2018, Kevin served as the Director of Music for St. Barbara’s Parish in Pittsburgh, PA, and at Our Lady of the Springs Parish in French Lick, IN. Additionally, he ministered as the Accompanying Organist at the First Presbyterian Church in Evansville, IN, and served as the Organist at St. Mary of Mercy, in downtown Pittsburgh, PA, for a daily televised Mass. In 2012, Kevin performed at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia, PA for the Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ Day hosted by Michael Barone. While studying in Pittsburgh, he gave organ recitals at Epiphany Catholic Church, Heinz Chapel, First Lutheran Church and St. Paul Cathedral. Kevin has his Colleague Certification from the American Guild of Organists. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, camping and biking.

Jake Thiringer, Coordinator of Youth Ministry: Originally from Keyport, New Jersey, Jake Thiringer is a Graduate of Ramapo College in Mahwah, New Jersey. There he studied Music Industry and Production, lead the Student Mass Band for Catholic Campus Ministry, and served on Spring Break Mission trips to Peru and Mexico. Since college, Jake has served as a full time Missionary at Camp Gray Catholic Camp and Retreat Center in Reedsburg, Wisconsin. There he did a combination of Camp Counseling, Retreat Leadership, and Music Ministry. Jake is excited to work with the people of St. Mary’s, including leading the E.P.I.C. High School Youth Ministry and the Grade 8-10 Religious Education Program. In his down time, he enjoys running, sports, playing piano, puns, and spending time with his family and friends.

JOIN OUR CHOIRS!

ADULT CHOIR Do you like to sing? Do you have a child who likes • Open to youth and adults of all ages to sing? Join one of our choirs! No music training • The Adult Choir sings for the Sunday 11:30 AM Mass is necessary! It’s FREE and it’s FUN! Our first rehearsals take place the week after Labor every week (rehearsal at 10:45 AM before Mass) Day! • Rehearsals are every Thursday from 7:00-9:00 PM in the ______Lower Church Hello! My name is Kevin Lyczak and I am the new Director of Music. Here at St. Mary’s, there are many opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to become involved in the music ministry, which are listed on the left. Below, I would like to offer some reflection on the role of music as it pertains to the liturgy. ______CHILDREN'S CHOIR Music in the context of the liturgy is different than performance. In a concert or recital, the • Open to children grades 4-7 musicians perform a piece of music for the • The Children’s Choir sings for the Sunday 9:30 AM Mass enjoyment of the audience, which is usually more or less every two weeks. (rehearsal at 8:40 AM before followed by applause. In the liturgy, the music mass) created functions as a prayer to God, a prayer that • Rehearsals are every Wednesday from 3:30-4:15 PM in the the entire congregation can participate in either by Lower Church singing or actively listening.

Not only does this prayer connect the members of the congregation in the church, but it also connects us to our ancestors. Whether modern or ancient, it connects us to the particular point in history when the music was written, a point where although the customs and technology might have been vastly different, the wide spectrum of human emotions were exactly the same. The ______prayer moves us subconsciously to the aesthetic YOUTH CHOIR of the period, and reminds of the inherent beauty • Open to children/youth 7th grade and higher of ritual. • The Youth Choir sings for the Sunday 9:30 AM Mass more ______or less every two weeks. (rehearsal at 8:40 AM before mass) For any questions or to learn more about singing • Additionally, the Youth Choir sings for a Sung Vespers at St. Mary’s, please contact: service once a month [email protected]. • Rehearsals are every Wednesday from 4:00-5:15 PM in the ______Lower Church. When we sing Vespers, the rehearsal starts at 5:30 PM The aim and final end of all music should be none other

than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.

– J.S. Bach

End-of-the-Year 2018 Choir Promotion Ceremony

On Corpus Christi Sunday, June 3, 2018, the Children and Youth Choirs sang their last 9:30 Mass before summer break. As it is customary, select members of the choir received their ribbons and medals, and probationers (choristers in training) received their cottas—the white vestment worn on top of the robes. Earning a ribbon indicates that the singer has reached a certain level of proficiency in musical skills according to the standards of the Royal School of Church Music. Receiving a cotta indicates that the singer has become an official member of the choir, after being trained for a year on the essentials of choral singing.

The Music Program at St. Mary’s is affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music in America, and because of this, both Children and Youth Choirs participate in the RSCM’s “Voices for Life” program. This means that, on top of singing in rehearsals and at Sunday Masses, children and youth receive training in different areas for their musical development. They learn about music theory and vocal techniques, they develop their aural skills, and they learn about liturgy, choral etiquette, and everything that is necessary for being part of a musical ensemble. As children become more and more skilled in all these areas, they advance up in levels, and they are able to test for colored ribbons that indicate their level of achievement. There are five levels of proficiency: white level, light-blue level, dark-blue level, the red level, and finally the yellow level.

This year we were immensely proud to present the following children with awards:

Cottas: Amelia MacEvoy, Autumn Smith, Antonia Stevens & Jack Baribeau White Ribbon: Autumn Smith, Antonia Stevens & Jack Baribeau Light-blue Ribbon: Andrew McWilliams, Paget O'Brien & Tomas Torres Red Ribbon: Rose Jessup, Taylor Scruton & Anna Sheehan

Congratulations to all awardees, and also to Class of 2018 Graduates Olivia Hastie (12 years in choir), attending the college of Holy Cross in Worcester, MA; and Lillian MacLean (12 years in choir), attending the College of Wooster in Ohio. THANK YOU to everyone involved in the Children and Youth Choirs for an amazing year! We look forward to another season of great music with you!

St. Mary’s Religious Education “The Lord Jesus invites men and women, in a special way, to follow Him, as teacher and formers of disciples” (GDC 231). Please consider our Teacher and Monitor needs below:

CLASSES BEGIN THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 16, 2018. MAY WE GROW IN OUR LOVE OF THE LORD!

Class code: A=Alt. weeks M=Monthly W=Weekly Monitors are required for classes to begin in the fall. GRADES DAY AND TIME TEACHERS MONITORS GRADES DAY AND TIME TEACHERS MONITORS

SUNDAY TUESDAY

PRE-K. 9:15 to 10:30 AM 2 Teens Filled GR-4B 4:00 to 5:30 PM 2 A Filled

Kind. 9:15 to 10:30 AM 1 Adult /5 Teens 1 GR-5C 4:00 to 5:30 PM 2 A Filled

GR-1A 8:10 to 9:20 AM 6 A Filled GR-6C 4:30 to 5:30 PM 2 W Filled GR-9C 6:30 to 8:30 PM 2 A 1 GR -2A 8:10 to 9:20 AM 1 Team A 1 GR-10C 6:30 to 8:30 PM 4 A 1 GR -2A 10:45 AM to Noon 2 A 1 WEDNESDAY GR -3A 7:55 AM /10:45 AM 2 & 2 A 1 GR-2D 4:15 to 5:30 PM 2 Teams A 1 GR -4 - 5 10:45AM-12:15 PM 3 & 3 A 1 GR -6A 5:00 to 6:00 PM 3 W 1 GR-7D 6:00 to 7:30 PM 2 A Filled GR -7A 5:30 to 7:30 PM 4 A 1 GR-8D 6:00 to 7:30 PM 4 A 1 MONDAY THURSDAY GR -3-5B 3:00 to 4:30 PM 3 & 2 A 1 GR-9E 6:30 to 8:30 PM 4 A Filled GR -4B 3:00 to 4:30 PM 3 A 1 GR-10E 6:30 to 8:30 PM 4 A Filled GR -6B 6:00 to 7:00 PM 3 W 1 GR -8B 6:00 to 7:30 PM 3 A 1 Please Teach! The children of St. Mary’s are counting on YOU.

St. Mary’s Fall Adult Religious Education Fulfilled: Uncovering the Biblical Foundations of Catholicism (Part One) by Sonja Corbit

Have you ever been unable to explain the “why” of Catholic beliefs? Have you ever wondered why the Old Testament sounds so different from the New Testament? In the Old Testament, God began building a plan and laying a foundation for the beautiful traditions of the Catholic Faith. That plan was fulfilled by Jesus in the New Testament. Fulfilled: Uncovering the Biblical Foundations of Catholicism is an apologetic approach to sharing the Catholic Faith using the Old Testament Tabernacle as a blueprint for God’s plan. While it is designed as a faith- sharing Scripture study, you will also gain an understanding of some of the most questioned Catholic teachings. Fulfilled will reignite your love of Scripture and help you share and defend the Catholic Faith with the Word of God. Part One focuses on the elements found in the outer sanctuary of the Tabernacle and how they connect to the liturgical calendar, the priesthood, purgatory, baptism, and more. The Program begins on Monday, September 24 from 7-8:30 PM. If you are interested please call Earl King at 361-8655. Cost will be: $15.00; meetings in the Parish Library. The following are the dates and topics:

September 24: Introduction October 29: Sacrificial Love October 1: A Home for God November 5: Perfected by His Presence October 15: Keeping Time with God November 12: Immersed in His Grace October 22: Kingdom of Priests

St. Mary’s Council #14224 Summer, 2018

Grand Knight: AlbertSeptember Scaramella 2017 Deputy Grand Knight: Tom Anguish

TENTH ANNUAL CHARITY RAFFLE DRAWING COMPLETED: The lucky first prize $1000 winner was St. Mary’s parishioner, Henry Febo. The2016 prize drawing was held June 20 in Father Haley Hall (photo above). Many thanks to all St. Mary’s parishioners who purchased raffle tickets. Raffle ticket sales raised over $23,000 for local and veteran’s charities. So if you did not win a prize, your $5 purchase will be distributed to the Holliston Pantry Shelf, Holliston Senior Center, Homes for our Troops, IPODs for Wounded Veterans, Habitat for Humanity, and our own St. Mary’s parish. Total donations to these charities have now exceeded $181,000 2015 in the ten years of the raffle’s sales. This year’s chairmen were Thomas Anguish, Bill Heuer, Aaron Pyman, and Al Scaramella.

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE FOR 2018: All good St. Mary’s men eighteen and older are invited to join our Council. The Knights of Columbus is the largest Catholic men’s lay organization in the world. Our Council respects members’ limited time but needs new members to share our faith journey as Catholic men. For membership information contact Grand Knight Albert Scaramella at (508) 429-7588 OR [email protected] OR you can now join ON-LINE by going to the Supreme K of C website at kofc.org. On-line membership allows you to obtain all K of C benefits including outstanding insurance plans and optional membership in our St. Mary’s Council.

A REQUEST FROM FR. ROCCO PUOPOLO, DIRECTOR OF THE XAVERIAN COMMUNITY AND FATIMA SHRINE

We may have had a saint in our midst! We could use your help!

The first Xaverian to be ordained a priest here in the USA was Fr. Angelo Frosi (photos above). Fr. Angelo served in the USA for 19 years, most of the time here in Holliston. He completed his studies for the priesthood at St. John’s Seminary in Brighton, ordained in 1948. He served here as vocation director, mission promoter, the first editor of our Xaverian Newsletters, treasurer, director of students and our first Provincial. In 1968 he was sent to the Mission of Abaetetuba in Northern Brazil as the administrator of that diocese. He later became its second bishop. He died in 1995. He was a zealous and holy missionary.

The process for his beatification and canonization has begun and the coordinator (Postulator of the Cause) of that process is coming to Boston from Brazil this summer, 2018 to gather testimonies of those who may have known Bishop Frosi and could witness his holiness and missionary zeal. If you or someone you know in your family have had a personal knowledge of Bishop Frosi from years back, contact Fr. Rocco Puopolo so that you will have the chance to meet the coordinator and tell the wonderful story of this holy missionary. Thank you! Fr. Rocco Puopolo, s.x., 508 429 2144, [email protected]. St. Mary’s VBS!

Thank you to all who made this summer’s Vacation Bible School such an amazing success! It was our twelfth straight year of this wonderful week of faith, friendship and fun in the Lord. Particular recognition goes out to Mrs. Patty Baribeau who led this year’s VBS. She was ably assisted by many adult and teen leaders, who guided 100 children through “Shipwrecked ~ Rescued by Jesus!” Small groups of castaways rotated through stations such as the Imagination Station, Bible Discovery, Ship-rec Games, Castaway Sing & Play, Tropical Treats and the Kid Vid Cinema. This year’s VBS taught us that Jesus is there to rescue us when we are lonely, worried, struggling, have done wrong or are powerless. We shared and acted out Bible Stories, prayed, sang and learned about the many ways that Jesus can rescue us from hard situations by His Saving Power and Love! Our week culminated with a VBS Closing Mass Celebration on Sunday, July 29 at 9:30 AM. After Communion, our VBS kids gathered before the altar and sang together their favorite VBS song, “My Lighthouse!” Listen to it here: https://bit.ly/2mCeCr4 Taking a Summer Cross Walk “When you attend a new church,” Mom promised us, “you get to ask God for a special wish and it will With Cathy Stenquist come true.” We thought that was pretty awesome and took this ‘one and only wish per church’ very I remember both the relief and seriously; especially after I prayed that mom’s new the excitement I felt as a kid baby would be a boy and it came true! From then when the last day of school on, I couldn’t wait to find any new Catholic church I came. The ring of the bell could get my hands on during our travels. never sounded so good. Pushing the school door open Wishes over the years, began to be less selfish and and breathing in the air asked for others, but that anticipation of going to smelling sweet with the scent Mass at a new church remained. My mom, now of freedom. almost eighty, still reminds us as we dab our fingers in the holy water at a new church, to not forget to For my four siblings and I, schedules started make a wish. Her joy of faith, running like a river in slowing down allowing a little extra sleep. Days her veins, set the tone for a lifetime of loving to go were spent exploring backyards, building forts in to church. the cornfield, tightening keys on our roller skates or chasing the bells of the ice cream truck, coins Though we were miles jingling in our pockets. from home, these vacation churches never When we moved to Boston, my family was very felt like strange places as fortunate to rent a cottage on Newfound Lake for the Mass was the same, several years, right on the water. Goodies from just enhanced by the Shackett’s, exploring Sculptured Rocks, diving deep local flavor of music or in the crystal clear water and toasting tradition. The sign of marshmallows by the campfire. It was heaven. peace was always a highlight with happy While our routine changed during the summer bouncing handshakes to break, there was always one thing that didn’t strangers. change, going to Mass. I don’t remember any real push back by us kids. Because we went to Mass As young kids, we were fascinated by the many each week the rest of the year, it was just an new sights and sounds and even learned a bit of expected part of what our family did. My parents history form the churches we attended: found great ways to make going to Mass in the summer fun. At Our Lady of the Mountains in North Conway, seeing the forest out the windows and pine trees “Keep your eye out for the church,” my father decorating the interior of the sanctuary. would say, as we steered off the highway approaching the town. Scanning the side of the At St. Timothy’s in Bristol, NH., Mass was followed road for the local pizza place or general store to by a trip to a local grandmother’s home for a bag of spend our pennies, we would squint to see who fresh warm cinnamon donuts. It got bonus points could read the Mass times on the church sign first. being close to the Mill Stream Dairy Joy near a rushing river. We got a kick out of trying to pronounce some of the funny saint names they were named after. In Hyannis, touching history at St. Francis Xavier Some how St. Zepherin’s in Wayland was not so Church – the summer church of the Kennedy family unusual! – I felt an excitement sitting in the same pew where the Kennedy’s sat celebrating the sacraments of baptism and marriage and where -Visit Fatima Shrine or other area shrines found on line they said goodbye to their loved ones at funerals. for a walk and light a candle for someone. My parents continued to weave our faith through many summers, which in turn, I then shared with -Create a family motto, i.e. “There is cause for rejoicing my own family. And now I am beginning the same here!” (1Peter1) and look for reasons to say thank you to God each day, even on the tough and busy days. tradition with my two-year-old granddaughter.

Faith is a seed planted in each of us. And like the -Take a length of wax paper and color with Sharpie gardens growing in summer, it needs watering and markers to design your own “stained glass windows” care to grow into that beautiful fruit of the Spirit happily taping them to the doors and windows. that we harvest. -Go on a Cross Walk with your kids and see who can find I try not to think of church as an interruption to my the most crosses in roots, fences or anywhere! vacation, but admittedly, I am human and sometimes you just want to stay in bed or pour a -Pay It Forward. Let the kids pay for the person’s coffee cup of joe and sit in your pajamas at the lake. behind them in the check out line at Dunkins. But I can say 100% of the time, by taking that hour, -When you hike to the top of that hill or mountain, stop, I have felt God’s peace, am renewed in my focus, take in that view and thank God for the beauty and for have met some great fellow Catholics, and leave the moment. The kids will remember ☺. with a deeper appreciation of the wonder about me. And the nicest thing of all, I can connect with Christ in the Eucharist and carry Him with me back -Bake some cookies and bring to the mountains or sit with Him on the dock to a neighbor, just because. watching the kids swirl their sparklers or carry a donation with Him to the local food pantry. -Take a trip to St. Mary’s library where you can each During getaways with friends, my choice to set the choose a book to read at the alarm and slip out to church while others sleep has, lake. (Yes, they do have great children’s books too!) in a quiet way, witnessed to them and has caused some great conversations about why “I bother” when I return to join them for breakfast. -Visit an elderly person in a home or assisted living home near you. There are amazing friendships just I leave you now, with a list of tried and true things waiting for you! that have been fun ways to connect to God over the summer. Maybe you have a few of your own! -Collect small stones and paint them with flowers, ______crosses, or inspirational words like “Praying for you!” or “God Loves you!”. Have a giggly adventure carrying My Summer Bucket List them in your pocket and leaving them on a counter in a store, in someone’s garden or other special places. ______

-Lay on a soft blanket under the stars and share your -Have your kids pick out some pet food at the grocery amazement at how big the world is. store, then visit an animal shelter to drop them off and visit the animals. -Canoe down a peaceful river and savor the quiet peacefulness of a stream. Have a happy summer, my Cross Walk friends. I’ll resume my Cross Walks and other stories in -When you feel the sudden rush of a strong wind September, but for now… Time to find a windy connect it to the Holy Spirit, then twirl and dance! path in the woods, and dance with the Holy Spirit!

-Visit the zoo and marvel at the creativity and sense of humor God must have, to design an animal as unique as Walking in His Name, a giraffe or a peacock. Cathy St. Mary’s Parish Middle School Youth Group Open to all 6th, 7th, & 8th Graders for Faith, Friendship, Service & Fun

KENNEBEC RAFTING TRIP DAY ONE: Sunday, June 24 found our MSYG 8th Graders plus their adult and high school leaders heading out for adventure at the crack of dawn. A six hour drive brought the group to the Pine Grove Lodge in Bingham, Maine for a picnic lunch, and then it was off to nearby Houston Brook Falls. Reached by a forest trail of about a half mile, these Falls are a beautiful experience of nature. Teens braved the cold water to fight their way under the surging main waterfall, then spent hours exploring the brook and smaller upper falls. Next it was off to the Crabapple Lodge at the Forks, Maine, where our group checked in to their overnight accommodations. Volleyball and a large (heated) outdoor pool filled the time until dinner, which included a special “Rafting Cake”, made by Roche Brothers in Millis. The night concluded with Mass in the Lodge, celebrated by Fr. Mark with teens reading and altar serving.

St. Mary’s Parish Middle School Youth Group Open to all 6th, 7th, & 8th Graders for Faith, Friendship, Service & Fun

KENNEBEC RAFTING TRIP DAY TWO: The adventure continued on Monday, June 25, with a full day of Class III – V Whitewater Rafting on the Mighty Kennebec. St. Mary’s filled seven rafts, each accompanied by a professional rafting guide. Their skill was needed as we faced such epic rapids as Whitewash, Magic Falls and Big Momma & the Three Sisters. Kendall Marsden fell overboard at the start of the biggest rapid of the day, and went through it clinging to the side of the raft. Most also chose to go in voluntarily at the “Swimmer’s Rapids,” where you have to time your breathing while crashing through “smaller” waves. The group pulled out at Magic Falls for a quick snack (photo previous page), then engaged in massive water bucket fights during the final, quieter stretch. A delicious barbecue at Crabapple concluded the river trip, then it was time for the long drive back to Holliston. Thank you to all the Middle School Youth Group teens for their excellent behavior, and to all the high school and adult leaders for volunteering their time!

Girl Overboard!

St. Mary’s EPIC Endless Possibilities In Christ

MEET JAKE!

Hello! My Name is Jake Thiringer and I am super excited to serve as the new High School Youth Minister and 8th-10th grade Director of Religious Education at St. Mary’s!

While originally from New Jersey, this past year I have been serving as a full time Missionary at Camp Gray Catholic Camp all the way out in Wisconsin! At Camp Gray, I had the privilege to work with thousands of people of all ages, but only for a few days at a time. As a new member of the St. Mary’s community I’m looking forward to seeing how God will work to help us grow as a community and transform all our lives as we grow closer to our Lord. In a world full of division, separation, and isolation, our God is calling us to share life and to grow in our faith as a community. In Philippians 2:4 God tells us through my favorite Saint, Saint Paul, “Do not be interested only in your own life but be interested in the lives of others.”

During my time studying Music at Ramapo College of New Jersey, God worked through my Catholic friends and the community there to show me the love he has for me, the incredible plan he has for my life, and the truth and beauty of the Catholic faith. The witness of my friends and the ways God worked through them transformed who I was and filled me with a joy only found in our infinite God. My prayer is that we may all know the love that God has for us and discover his radical, out of control, joy filled plan for each of our lives.

I am particularly looking forward to the St. Mary’s Mission Trip to Rockport Texas, as we serve those affected by Hurricane Harvey. I am also excited to be part of the EPIC High School Youth Ministry and Confirmation Programs, as we grow as a community, have lots of fun, ask big questions, and grow closer to our Lord!

St. Mary’s Mission Trip – July 28 to August 4

2018 EPIC Kickoff Meeting – Sunday October 14, 7:30 – 8:45 PM

ADULT FAITH RESOURCES SUMMER 2018

“FAITH SPEAKING” VOLUMES: Here are two bonus books for this year, recommendations that just cannot wait for October. The books are Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion and Barking to the Choir: The Power of Radical Kinship, by Fr. Gregory Boyle, SJ. Fr. Boyle is the founder of Homeboy Industries in California, a company which successfully employs and subsequently gives hope to members of rival gangs in Los Angeles. These two books introduce us to a world of violence and vengeance that is transformed by compassion and unconditional love. Your ideas about God and goodness may be challenged…and perhaps even changed…when you read of the everyday holy work that Fr. Boyle and his colleagues do at Homeboy Industries. You can find these books in our parish library or order them from online booksellers.

SUNDAY READINGS: All of the gospel readings during the month of August are from John’s Gospel, Chapter 6; on Labor Day weekend, we return to the gospel of Mark. John, Chapter 6 contains Jesus’ great discourse on the Bread of Life. On the last weekend of July, we heard about the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. On the first three Sundays of August, we will then hear Jesus talk about himself as the Bread of Life. Jesus’ gift of himself as our bread is greater than God’s gift of manna given to the Israelites in the desert after they left Egypt. Thomas Smith, a former Protestant minister and convert to Catholicism has written about Jesus, the Bread of Life. All three of his reflections can be found at https://biblestudyforcatholics.com/author/thomas-smith/page/4/, a blog on the website of the Great Adventure, a Catholic bible study program. Enjoy!

CARE OF THE ENVIRONMENT: Here’s a “head’s up” for the Fall. The Season of Creation will be celebrated world-wide by believers of many faiths, including Roman Catholics, from September 1 to October 4. This page in the September newsletter will detail what our parish will do to celebrate this season. Be on the watch! For now, remember that it is our responsibility to be good and faithful stewards of the created world. Go to http://www.catholicclimatecovenant.org/resources/reduce-your-carbon- footprint where you will find a link to the resource 10 Ways You Can Make a Difference.

PRAYER: Does your prayer life need a booster shot? How about spending a few minutes a day at Sacred Space, a daily online prayer sponsored by the Irish Jesuits (http://www.sacredspace.ie/). Want to start with a little less time? You can find One Minute Meditations at http://blog.franciscanmedia.org/minute- meditations, a ministry of the Franciscan Friars. You can also read the readings and psalm of the day at http://www.usccb.org/. Finally, are you interested in looking at how to start your day in a spiritual way? See https://bustedhalo.com/ministry-resources/rise-and-shine-6-spiritual-ways-to-start-your-day.

FAITH SUPPORT: We are lucky here at St. Mary’s to participate in a program to spread the Good News of our faith; this program is called Formed. You can register for this online faith formation program by going to https://formed.org, clicking on the box that says “Enter Code” and entering our parish code NW3N3Q (all CAPS). Then just follow the directions on how to register. The Formed program offers study resources, movies and videos you can watch and articles to read about our faith. Give it a try!!! Another great resource is www.wordonfire.org, a worldwide ministry begun by Bishop Robert Barron “to proclaim Christ to the culture”. There’s lots to experience on this website which can support you in your encounter with Christ. Check it out!

PARISH LIFE IS FAMILY LIFE: Our Sunday Visitor offers us a good article on parish life; have a read! https://www.osv.com/RSS/365DaysToMercy/TabId/2752/ArtMID/21013/ArticleID/16980/Parish-life- mirrors-that-of-a-family-where-we-gather-together-to-give-and-to-receive-.aspx. ---Leo Racine